Page 60 of Silver Fake

My heart clenches at the sound of John's best friend's name.

"What about him?"

John sighs again. "He just put in his two weeks' notice."

I gasp. "He's leaving the hotel?"

"Yep."

"But why? Did he have a fight with your parents?"

John shakes his head, running his hand through his hair in frustration. "No, nothing like that. He's moving back to Wyoming. He got a job offer from Fit Mountain Resort, and it seems he couldn't say no."

"Wow," I breathe out, feeling the shock of his news settle over me. "I mean, good for him. But...wow."

John nods, his expression grim. "Yeah. It's certainly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

His voice holds a note of resignation, deepening the silence that follows. I sit back in his lap, my mind reeling.

The Fit Mountain Resort is one of the most prestigious resorts in the country. It's a place where the wealthy and the adventurous congregate to challenge their physical limits during the day and unwind in the lap of lavish comfort at night.

I've heard countless stories of the place from Sheila's brother-in-law, Boone. He's married to one of the founder's sisters and never misses a chance to rave about the resort. From the world-class fitness training, breathtaking landscapes, to the hot mountain men who serve as instructors, it's a paradise for those who love the blend of adrenaline and luxury.

I lift my head so I can look at him. "What did your parents say?"

"They were their usual amazing selves," John chuckles. "They told him they're happy for him, and honestly, I am too." He pauses for a moment, his gaze softening. "Wyatt's been missing his family a lot lately. It's been a long time since he's been back home. This job at Fit Mountain is a great opportunity for him. He deserves it."

"Definitely," I reply.

Suddenly, a flirtatious smile forms on John's face.

"You know, the one good thing about this whole situation is that my parents are throwing a going-away party for Wyatt."

He leans in, pressing his lips against mine in a lingering kiss. When we pull apart, he continues, "And, my mom specifically requested that I bring you."

I laugh, the tension easing from my body at his words. "Well, in that case, I wouldn't miss it for the world."

John looks at me curiously. "Really?"

"Really. I love your family, and I want to be there for Wyatt's send-off."

"I like that about you," he says softly.

I raise an eyebrow, curiosity piquing. "Like what?"

He reaches out, his fingers gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

"I like how much you love my family.”

I feel my cheeks warm at his words and look down shyly.

"Well," I start, my voice a mere whisper, "It's easy to love them, they are wonderful people. Just like you."

John chuckles as he presses a kiss to my palm before draping my arm over his neck.

"Wonderful might be a bit of a stretch," he teases.

Then he shifts me in his lap so that I'm straddling him. "But enough about me and my problems. How are you today?"

---